Final week, Sofia Vergara made historical past on the Emmys because the first Latina to be nominated for finest lead actress in a restricted sequence for her function in Netflix’s “Griselda.” This nomination comes after years of Vergara battling a double-edged sword: her simple expertise and her Colombian accent, which had been each a part of the trail she’d carved together with her iconic portrayal of Gloria Pritchett on “Fashionable Household.” Regardless of the success that “Fashionable Household” had — successful 22 Primetime Emmy Awards and garnering 85 nominations since its 2009 debut — Vergara has been vocal in regards to the limitations the trade positioned on her due to her accent.
“I am all the time in search of characters as a result of there’s not a lot that I can play with this silly accent,” she instructed the Los Angeles Instances earlier this yr. “I am unable to play a scientist or be in ‘Schindler’s Listing.’ My performing jobs are type of restricted.”
With Salma Hayek being a uncommon exception, Latina actresses with accents typically discover themselves relegated to stereotypical roles like fiery maids or sassy finest buddies. Take Rosie Perez, for example. The Puerto Rican actress recognized for her roles in Spike Lee’s “Do the Proper Factor” and “White Males Cannot Soar” has spoken out about how her Puerto Rican Brooklyn accent typically restricted the roles she landed. Her function in “White Males Cannot Soar” was initially supposed for an Italian or Irish American actress, however she ultimately proved she was the proper match for the function.
“Sure, my accent was sturdy. Sure, I used to be Brooklyn. Sure, I used to be poor, however did that imply I needs to be restricted to solely taking part in unintelligent, downtrodden, and humiliating stereotypes?” she wrote in her 2014 memoir “Handbook for an Unpredictable Life.
Individuals’ tendency to view accents via a biased lens has all the time been an uphill battle for Latine actors. Judgment in direction of folks with heavy ethnic accents is a persistent problem and a prejudice that actors with British or Australian accents hardly ever face. This can be a type of discrimination that must be dismantled.
Whereas Perez, Hayek, and Vergara are simple stars, such has been the case for a lot of Latina actresses with sturdy accents. The trade has been hesitant to embrace the total spectrum of what Latina actresses can supply, making a barrier for individuals who could not (or would not) shed their accents.
As Vergara herself has mentioned, it was irritating to be thought of much less clever just because her English wasn’t flawless. “Do you even understand how good I’m in Spanish?” is considered one of her most quoted strains from “Fashionable Household,” highlighting the unfair assumption that an accent is equated to a scarcity of fluency or mind.
Then got here “Griselda,” a restricted sequence on Netflix during which Vergara embraced her heritage and accent, and spoke primarily Spanish. On this function, she wasn’t simply allowed — she was inspired to talk Spanish. It was on this function, portraying the ruthless drug lord Griselda Blanco, that the world lastly witnessed the total depth of Sofia’s performing expertise. Whereas it was unlucky {that a} drug-trafficking narrative grew to become the platform, her efficiency was unbelievable and showcased her expertise past comedic roles.
This highlights an important level. Latinos are an integral a part of American society, and Spanish is a extensively spoken language. Diversifying illustration goes past casting; it is about creating tales the place Latine experiences take middle stage, even when these tales unfold primarily in Spanish. Latines will not be a distinct segment viewers; they’re the very material of America, and Spanish is a main or secondary language for thousands and thousands.
Vergara’s Emmy nomination wasn’t only a private triumph; it was a beacon for change. Reveals like “Narcos,” “La Casa de Papel,” and movies like “Roma” have confirmed that the viewers for tasks that prominently function Spanish dialogue not solely exists however can certainly be a potent drive. It is time to break the mould and embrace the richness of multilingual storytelling, creating prospects for extra productions that includes skills like Vergara in addition to up-and-coming Latine stars.
Vergara’s historic nomination is a pivotal second not only for her, however for numerous Latine actors craving for the prospect to showcase their full potential. This wasn’t nearly an Emmy; it is a name for Hollywood to embrace the richness of Latine tales and acknowledge that illustration goes past simply faces. It is about shattering obstacles and paving the way in which for a future utilizing the ability of language mirrored across the vibrant tapestry of our numerous voices.
Kimmy Dole is a contributor for PS Juntos recognized for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling. An leisure fanatic, Kimmy immerses herself within the glitz of the trade, delivering a fascinating mix of movie star interviews, insights from trade specialists, and the newest popular culture traits. Her work presents readers a real and relatable perspective, particularly when exploring the complexities of relationships.
